Bed Rail Flex

skeezix · 02-16-08, 11:42 PM

I recently was told by a camper/shell dealer that the reason the foam sealer tape squeezes out from between the rear of the bed rails and the shell is because the bed flexes sideways. The dealer went on to say that the more recent Tacomas have stiffer beds than my 1998 model and that tape squeeze-out is much less of a problem.

Does that make sense? Bed flex? Has anybody else heard of this? I don't suppose I can do anything about it though (other than buy a new truck...)

coonass · 02-17-08, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeezix

I recently was told by a camper/shell dealer that the reason the foam sealer tape squeezes out from between the rear of the bed rails and the shell is because the bed flexes sideways. The dealer went on to say that the more recent Tacomas have stiffer beds than my 1998 model and that tape squeeze-out is much less of a problem.

Does that make sense? Bed flex? Has anybody else heard of this? I don't suppose I can do anything about it though (other than buy a new truck...)

The bed flex on the 95-04 Tacoma is very pronounced. Most Tacomas that I have seen that have been wheeled have dents in the rear of the cab due to this. The rear portion of the frame is not boxed, and that is what is flexing.

Why would this cause you to get rid of the truck?

I had a 2003 with a ARE shell on it, Just double the foam and clamp it down. I did not have any real issues other than laying down more foam from time to time.
Looking at the bed in the rear view mirror of my '96 Tacoma, when I had the bed on it, was like watching a dash board Hula Girl.
If you are worried about cracking the fiberglass shell, get the frame plates from www.demello-offroad.com.
I have welded a few sets on for people and they will definately keep the rear of the frame rigid.

Oh Yeah, The bed on my '06 dances as well...

Jacque

skeezix · 02-18-08, 08:21 AM

>>Why would this cause you to get rid of the truck?<<

Said that in a weak moment, I guess.

I bought it special order, brand new, waited 4 months for delivery for it. It now has just over 50k miles, and the only things I have done to it maintenance/repair-wise are replace the fluids and filter. Religiously. And replace the windshield. Colorado roads are death on windshields.

I would be a fool to give it up, even for a brand new one.

Now if I could only find a place to inconspicuously mount a set of Hadley air horns...

I have included instructions in my Living Will to bury the truck with me.

02-16-08, 11:42 PM	#1
skeezix IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Western Slope Colorado Posts: 20	Bed Rail Flex I recently was told by a camper/shell dealer that the reason the foam sealer tape squeezes out from between the rear of the bed rails and the shell is because the bed flexes sideways. The dealer went on to say that the more recent Tacomas have stiffer beds than my 1998 model and that tape squeeze-out is much less of a problem. Does that make sense? Bed flex? Has anybody else heard of this? I don't suppose I can do anything about it though (other than buy a new truck...)

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02-18-08, 08:21 AM	#3
skeezix IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Western Slope Colorado Posts: 20	>>Why would this cause you to get rid of the truck?<< Said that in a weak moment, I guess. I bought it special order, brand new, waited 4 months for delivery for it. It now has just over 50k miles, and the only things I have done to it maintenance/repair-wise are replace the fluids and filter. Religiously. And replace the windshield. Colorado roads are death on windshields. I would be a fool to give it up, even for a brand new one. Now if I could only find a place to inconspicuously mount a set of Hadley air horns... I have included instructions in my Living Will to bury the truck with me.